To Whom it May Concern,
“You made a mistake.” I am sure that hundreds of students and parents have spoken these sentiments to the admission department at UC Irvine in the course of the past few weeks. I am sure that thousands more throughout the state, throughout the country even, have laughed, cried, and yelled these words, being sure to diminish your institution with each remark. Personally, I hold UCI in the highest regards as far as colleges go; having been a life long Irvine Area resident, I have come to cherish the diverse atmosphere and thirst for knowledge in UCI and the surrounding area entropy. It is in this high-esteem for the university and the community that I write this candid letter.
When a school such as UCI is so inundated with qualified applicants desiring to go there, the job of an admissions officer can surely be frightful. Truthfully, I do not feel that UC Irvine has necessarily made a mistake in its selection, for how can a school sift through the numerous outstanding individuals and select a class meager in proportion to the number of students who wish they could attend. Yes, I write this letter as an appeal for my admissions decision for the Fall of 2018, but more so than that, I feel the need to give a dream school of mine at least one more shot. Regardless of the consequent decision, which I fully realize is statistically to be against my desired response, I must write this letter.
Having listened to my Sister speak of her college years at UC Irvine, the school hold a certain mystical quality to me. Knowing well that the type of education I would receive at UCI does not fit who I am and the dreams I strive for, UCI has long been the cynosure for my desired collegiate experience. My cousin teaches at UCI and she always comes and talks to me about the UCI environment and her students. My sister and my Cousin encouraged me to apply to UCI and now write an appeal letter. So UCI is my dream school and I want to study at the same school as my sister did.
Wherever I go, I know I will earn an outstanding education. The schools I am deciding amongst (Occidental, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, Santa Clara, and possibly Pomona) are all revered institutions of higher learning. Further, I feel confident that my desires to succeed and do the best I possibly can further guarantee a positive college experience. Since submitting my college applications in November, I have gained a better understanding of myself, and a better understanding of the surrounding world. Through numerous event planning and participation in the Link Crew events, I realize how impressionable young minds are, and the importance of positive role-models.
Politically, UCI is the place to be. As I dream of one day becoming a doctor, a dream I plan to make a reality through hard work and determination, UCI would provide me with the dynamic atmosphere. Through the relationships and subsequent dialogue I would have with peoples of different nationalities and beliefs at UCI, I would be better equipped to make my own decisions in life by way of the additional knowledge gained from such a “melting pot” of people. Needless to say, my goal of becoming a successful public servant continues despite being denied acceptance at UCI (currently I am reading Leadership by Rudy Giuliani, an inspirational and informative book which discusses how important it is to work hard for what you believe in) . Though, with this in mind, I feel I could make great strides in the right direction by attending UCI.
As I go from one activity to another, from tennis practice where I’m expected to lead the team as captain to musical practice (despite being musically inept, I have practiced numerous hours in the shower throughout my entire life, and plan to be the best Elisha J. Whitney Anything Goes has ever seen!), the disappointment and anxiety I feel at my denial to UCI continues. I realize that, like thousands of the other students who may be bewildered at an admission decision, I am simply used to trying my best and yielding the fruits of my labor. Life is full of ups and downs, successes and failures — even at the green age of 18 I understand this concept well, and realize I will experience my share of both in life. I realize this is not a failure. All the events and activities I have participated in have been due to sheer love and enjoyment, and my knowledge gained from such experiences will aid me always, whether I attend Harvard U or Clown College. Indeed, the colleges I have been accepted to are among some of the top schools as well, and I do feel proud of my options.
Still, UCI lingers in my mind, and I must exhaust all enrollment opportunities to be fully content with the application process. A final, more personal note as to why I so desire to attend UCI over a few of my other possibilities: in the middle of November, in the midst of completing the bulk of my college applications, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Combined with applying to college, completing homework, staying on top of classes, and keeping my commitments to extra-curricular activities, the knowledge that my mom has a serious form of cancer made those few months all the more stress-filled and difficult. Thank the Lord, my mom has successfully completed radiation and continues to see specialists regularly, solidifying her status in my mind as the strongest person I know. Going off to college, I am going to miss my mom dearly, and she will dearly miss me. I’ve always been very close with her, and I recognize the ambivalence within her of wanting me to stay close to home in the Bay Area while wanting what’s best for me. I feel similar sentiments, having the strong urge to protect and care for my mom, visiting on a regular basis, while desiring to grow as a person into the man I strive to be. UCI would be the perfect choice of school in relation to both aspects: its proximity to my home town of Livermore, as well as the educational opportunities UCI offers.
I truly believe that God has His plan, and that everything works out for the best. All I feel I can do is submit this letter and let fate have its way.